Reflection on the Ukraine Action Summit, April 2025
My name is Sofia Poliakova. I am a sophomore majoring in Theater and Media Communications, and it’s already been a year since I’ve begun living in the USA. Originally, I’m from Ukraine, and in this difficult time for my country, I cannot stay indifferent. . .
Declining Student Loans Signal Progress in Access to Education
Student loan borrowing in the United States has reached its lowest point in over a decade, signaling a significant shift in how students fund their education. At Centenary College of Louisiana, where 69% of full-time undergraduate students receive student loan aid, this trend is particularly relevant. Through robust financial aid packages, Centenary exemplifies the national movement toward reduced reliance on student loans. . .
With the Ban and Revival of TikTok, What’s Going to be the Future of the App
On Jan. 19, Congress announced that the United States-wide TikTok ban would occur. This was news that had been anticipated for months in advance, but the TikTok community was unaware of how events would unfold. The ban was implemented due to growing concerns over data privacy and national security risks associated with the app's Chinese ownership. Lawmakers feared that TikTok could be used to collect sensitive information on American users and potentially share it with theChinese government. This decision reflects increasing tensions and a push for more stringent regulations on foreign-owned digital platforms. . .
Pope Francis Issues Letter to U.S. Bishops Denouncing Immigrant Crisis
On February 11, 2025, Pope Francis issued a letter to U.S. Bishops that criticized recent U.S. immigration policies and activities. In the letter, Francis recounts the history of Jesus of Nazareth and his family, who, in several instances, were emigrants, refugees, and homeless . . .
Getting the Most Out of Your Financial Aid
Navigating the financial aid system in college can feel like a huge challenge, and Centenary College of Louisiana is no different. With rising tuition and living expenses, having the right financial aid can sometimes make or break a student’s ability to continue their education. To get the inside scoop on how things are going at Centenary, The Conglomerate spoke with Lynette Viskozki, the Director of Financial Aid.
Shreveport-Bossier Parade Schedule 2025
Mardi Gras break begins for Centenary students after classes on Friday, February 28th, so it may be surprising to learn that parade season begins sooner than that! Here is a list of local parades that are free to attend and celebrate the season.
Is Biden Making Birth Control Free? Yes and No.
Is the Biden administration making birth control free? You may have heard the rumors that the Biden-Harris administration is planning on making over-the-counter birth control free and wondered if the rumors are true. The answer is: yes, but no . . .
What’s On Your Ballot
It’s news to no one that 2024 is an election year. It’s everywhere you look: the TV attack ads, the social media campaign trend contests, and the arguments at dinner tables across the country. But what you may not know is that November 5th is Election Day for more than just the presidential candidates.
Looking at Centenary’s Strategic Plan, Bold at the Bicentennial
No college or university is perfect. Every school has its metaphorical cracked sidewalk. It is the job of the university leaders—boards, presidents, deans, provosts, etc—to envision the kind of changes that will improve the overall atmosphere of their respective institution. Their visions are often gathered and neatly laid out in ‘Master Plans.’ Last year, Centenary concluded its work on the 2017-2021 Forward initiative and launched a new Strategic Plan: Bold at the Bicentennial . . .
Mickle Hall Updates
In the Spring of 2022, President Chris Holoman announced two initiatives related to the college’s Forward campaign: a varsity football program and a state-of-the-art renovation of Centenary’s science building, Mickle Hall. With varsity football having started their first season in the Fall of 2024, students are questioning when, exactly, Mickle Hall will see its turn. With so many of our students studying the sciences, this building renovation would enrich Centenary’s overall education.
Centenary Launches its Center for Innovative Learning (CIL)
On Thursday, October 17th, 2024, Centenary College launched its new education initiative, the Center for Innovative Learning (CIL). This Center aims to offer “continuing education, professional development, and other innovative programs to the Shreveport-Bossier City community and beyond.” The program is part of a larger goal of Centenary’s to become Shreveport-Bossier’s college, providing the community with all methods for education and career advancement. The program aligns with Centenary’s Bold at the Bicentennial strategic plan, which aims to expand its offerings as a college . . .
A Look Into Shreveport’s 2024 Film Prize
The 2024 Film Prize short-film festival offered an exciting array of five-to-fifteen-minute short films that spanned multiple genres. From fast-paced comedies like “Sex Date” and “Game Day Ritual” to poetic and grounded dramas like “Blood and Milk,” this year’s selection featured something for everyone. This was my third time attending Film Prize, and like every year, I was in awe of the talent and production quality displayed in the chosen films . . .
Shreveport-Bossier Launches Black Restaurant Week
Shreveport-Bossier is celebrating Black Restaurant Week from October 20-26. The week is organized by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce and aims to highlight the many black-owned restaurants in the area. Over seventeen restaurants are participating this year and providing a diverse culinary experience.